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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



-She 

Heart of the World 



Si/ 



Joshua Henry Jones, Jr. 




BOSTON 

THE STRATFORD CO., Publishers 

1919 






Copyright 1919 

The STRATFORD CO., Publishers 

Boston, Mass. 



The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U, S. A. 

U II I9IB 



©cIa536217 



CONTENTS 

The Heart of the World 1 

Where the Elloree Flows — (An Etching) . . 3 

A Sweet Face 5 

The Pine Tree 6 

The Parting 7 

With You Away 9 

War — What's It About? 10 

Over the Bridge of Dreams . . . .11 

Helen's Laugh 12 

In Summer Twilight 13 

Goodbye, Mr. Gloom ...... 14 

Where the Whispering River Flows . . .15 

Rewards 17 

'Tis Winter, Paul 18 

My Clock 19 

Poesy Land 21 

To Miss Nineteen On Her Birthday ... 22 

Friendship 23 

Finis 24 

To Madrienne 25 

When Night Comes On 27 

Easter Chimes 28 

They've Lynched a Man in Dixie . . .29 

My Jewels 31 

Turn Out the Light 32 



CONTENTS 

Voyaging 34 

Goodbye Old Year 36 

Merry Christmas All 38 

To Louise . .39 

October Chill 41 

Calling 43 

Contentment 44 

Autumn 45 

Gone West 46 

Winds 48 

Ice 50 

The Universe 51 

Bubbles 52 

Reflection 53 

Apple Blossom Time 55 

Why Send Me Flowers? 56 

Memory 57 

My Mother's Gold Ring 59 

Commoners 61 

To a Skull 63 

On My Way Home ...... 65 

A Southern Love Song 67 

Speculation ........ 69 

The Potter and His Ware 71 

Enteuthen Exelaunei 73 

From Day to Day .77 

A Dream 79 

Life's Way . . . . . . . .81 

Housecleaning 82 



The Heart of the World* 

In the heart of the world is the call for peace. 

Up-surging symphonic roar. 
'Tis ill of all clashings; it seeks release 

From fetters of greed and gore. 
The winds of the battlefields echo the sigh 

Of hero souls slumbering deep; 
Who gave all they had and now dreamlessly lie 

Where the bayonets sent them to sleep. 

Peace for the wealthy; peace for the poor; 
Peace on the hillside and peace o'er the moor. 

In the heart of the world is the call for right; 

For fingers to bind up the wound, 
Slashed deep by the ruthless harsh hand of might 

When Justice is crushed to the ground. 
'Tis ill of the fevers of fear of the strong' — 

Of jealousies — prejudice — pride — 
Is there no ideal that's proof against wrong? 

Man asks of the man at his side. 

Bight for the lowly; right for the great. 
Bight all to pilot to happiness' gate. 



^Inspired by the speech of President Woodrow Wilson at 
Boston on his return from the first sittings of the peace 
conference in 1919. 



[1] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

In the heart of the world is the call for love. 

White heart — Red — Yellow — and Black. 
Each face turns to Bethlehem's bright star above, 

Tho' wolves of self howl at each back. 
The whole earth is lifting its voice in a prayer 

That nations may learn to endure, 
Without killing and maiming, but doing what's fair 

With a soul that is noble and pure. 

Love in weak peoples; love in the strong. 
Love that will banish all hatred and wrong. 

In the heart of the world is the call of God. 

East — West — and North — and South. 
Stirring, deep-yearning, breast-heaving call for God 

A-tremble behind each mouth. 
The heart's ill of torments that rend men's souls. 

Skyward lift all faiths in hope. 
Across all the oceans the evidence rolls 

Refreshing all life's arid slopes. 

God in the highborn; God in the low. 

God calls us, world-brothers. Hark ye! and know. 



[2] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Where the Elloree Flows — An Etching 

Tonight as floods of tender childish dreamings 

Take me to scenes that e'er will pleasant be. 
My thoughts review the make-believes and seemings • — 

Life's golden trinkets now they are to me. 
Amid the cotton fields, through woodlands roaming, 

Where tendrils of the jasmine trail and grow; 
Where all the world to me was sweetly gloaming, 

And where the Elloree doth silent seaward flow. 

The pine-top's green, with sunset's carmine blending 

In color known to Nature's hand alone; 
Gave charm to twilight and its dusky ending, 

E'en where a star in gilded splendor shone. 
The mocking-bird sang out its sweetest measures 

And bade goodnight to all the world about; 
Leaving a lone night-worshipper, as treasures, 

The echoes, dying slowly, softly, gently out. 

Again I hear the whippoorwill a-calling 

Unto its mate from 'neath the perfumed vine, 
Just as the sable dews are warmly falling 

And Twilight, slumber's lap bids to recline. 
The echoes of that happy time are waking 

Sending life's fairest moments back to me. 
While once again my soul love's thirst is slaking 

In that fond stream, the clear cool Elloree. 

[3] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

The ripples murmur soft as if caressing, 

While sweeping onward ever to the sea. 
In sweetest cadences their voices blessing 

A song that even now comes back to me. 
My soul goes out tonight upon its travels, 

A-drifting through the Universe, its sea. 
Hoping life's mystery some day unravels 

And brings its meaning clearly out to me. 



[4] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



A Sweet Face 

Eyes have a way of winking. 

Lips have their tempting smile. 
Mouth utters what mind's thinking 

When heart can show its guile. 

Eyes can tell much in flashing. 

Lips curl in sneer or scorn. 
Mouth can show teeth in clashing. 

Sadness is heart's big thorn. 

Eyes can be red from weeping. 

Lips can speak grief or pain. 
Mouth can be secrets keeping 

While heart breaks love to gain. 

When eyes and lips are living 

In harmony complete, 
With mouth and heart love giving 

They shape a face that's sweet. 



[5] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



The Parting 

We stood beneath a moonbright sky; 
Alone, we stood, my love and I; 
A star peeped from its blue dark height 
And twinkled out, "Goodnight, Goodnight." 

Her head lay nestled on my breast; 
Her softly sighing 'tokened rest. 
A curl, with windblown, soft delight 
Caressed my cheek, "Goodnight, Goodnight." 

I know not how our eyes then met; 

The mem'ry's closely treasured yet. 

One pearly teardrop dimmed her sight 

As lips framed heart's, "Goodnight, Goodnight.' 

And when on earth my cares are done. 

With all my battles lost and won. 

May Charon stay his craft a mite 

While 'cross the Styx comes her, "Goodnight." 



[6] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



The Pine Tree 

(From the German) 

Oh sighing pine! Ah whisp'ring pine! How true 

thy crest of green ! 

Not only while the summer blows 

But too, in winter when it snows. 

Oh blooming pine! Oh patient pine! How true 

thy crest of green. 

Ah, little maid, my little maid! How false doth 
show thy heart. 
You swore me true to my delight; 
But now I'm poor thou art in flight. 
Ah, little maid, yes, little maid! How false doth 
show thy heart. 

Thou Nightingale! Thou Nightingale! From her 
too thou hast learned 
Thou'rt with me while the summer lasts; 
'Midst storms and snows thy flight is fast. 
Thou Nightingale! Sweet Nightingale; From her 
too thou hast learned. 

Brook in the vale! Brook in the vale! Thy face 
shows deceit 
Thou gushest on when torrent flows; 

[7] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

A drought ere long thy spring will close. 
Brook in the vale! Brook in the vale! Thy face 
shows deceit. 

Ah, soughing pine! Sad, sighing pine! Thou dost 
alone prove true. 
Not only green when summer blows, 
But too, in winter's blighting snows. 
Sweet blooming pine! Ah, patient pine! Thou dost 
alone prove true. 



[8] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



With You Away 

Heart has ceased its pulsing, hope is all but gone. 
Boundless is my grieving, surcease there is none. 
Castles all have tumbled; sable sorrow's dust 
Hides the soul's creations. Love has lost its trust. 
Daylight misses sunshine; night its stars and moon. 
Birds don't sing as sweetly; seems they're out of tune. 
'Round the tomb of mem'ry withered rose leaves play 
Heart 0' Mine, I'm lonely since you went away. 

Tongue has ceased cantation, fingers listless fall. 

All I do is wait here for your tender call. 

What's the worth of dreaming, when you dream alone ? 

Wildwind is there solace to a heart now stone? 

Why was I so cruel to a life so sweet? 

Angels keep close vigil till again we meet. 

Flown has summer's gladness; life is dull and gray 

Since, Dear Heart, you left me — since you went away. 



[9] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



War — What's It About? 

Clanking of armor and marching of feet, 
Thund'rings and toilings on roadway and street; 
Screeching of whistle — frantic, wild shout — 
Yet, what's all this furor of mankind about? 

Women are weeping and children still cling 
To arms that along with feet tramping will swing. 
Millions plunge into Hell's vortex — few out. 
But what is this raging of mankind about? 

Cannons are roaring and earth is ablaze. 
Nations are grappling in frenzy and craze. 
Brother seeks brother's blood (both brave and 

stout.) 
When both in cold death lie, well, what's it about? 

Nations are starving their hell-guns to feed. 
Soul-seared men bleeding — and killing their creed. 
Go gaze on each battlefield — somebody's rout. 
When killing has ended, say, what's it about? 



[10] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Over the Bridge of Dreams 

Over the bridge 'mongst eery things 

Where only our thoughts can go. 
Into the land to which mem'ry clings 

And Heart's choicest blossoms grow ; 
Gleefully sporting in phantasm's halls, 

Pleading with hope's bright beams, 
Shadow-bom children, each beckons and calls, 

Over the bridge of dreams. 

Over the bridge 'twixt dark and dawn; 

There Life's richest garden grows. 
Tear-watered plants on Eternity's lawn 

Bend low with each breeze as it blows. 
Over the bridge the soul takes flight. 

For solace when things go wrong; 
Into Love's sunlight, out of sad night, 

For solace, when things go wrong. 

Over the bridge to magic land. 

We hasten to Heart's retreat. 
(Sometime these rovers of Romance land 

And our Earthborn hopes shall meet.) 
To treasure-land — Thule — the Hallowed spot 

We ever go, crossing the stream. 
Seeking, achieving, — each one to his lot — 

Over the bridge to dream. 

[11] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Helen's Laugh 

The laughter born in Helen's heart, 

Is sunshine to the soul. 
And when she dimples with a smile 

Away all shadows roll. 

The notes just ripple from her throat, 
Like song- from robin's breast. 

When winds of summer sway the leaves 
That hide her tree-top's nest. 

When Helen laughs the heart holds still 

With tender happiness. 
Her eyes dance tantalizingly. 

Her cheeks tempt to caress. 

When Helen laugh's the world is rich, 

And all about is fair. 
'Tis then the angels seem to sing 

Their lightest tinkling air. 

When Helen weeps earth hides in gloom, 

As cold as winter's blear, 
Until she nestles in my arms 

And I kiss back a tear. 



[12] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



In Summer Twilight 

Just a dash of lambent carmine 

Shading into sky of gold; 
Just a twitter of a song-bird 

Ere the wings its head enfold; 
Just a rustling sigh of parting 

From the moon-kissed hill to breeze; 
And a cheerful gentle, nodding 

Adieu waving from the trees; 
Just a friendly sunbeam's flutter 

Wishing all a night's repose, 
Ere the stars swing back the curtain 

Bringing twilight's dewy close. 



[13] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Goodbye, Mr. Gloom 

Goodbye, Mister Gloom! So long, Boy! 

You've lingered long enough. 
You've tried to cloud the path to joy. 

Your efforts are a bluff. 
You never like a good bright day. 

But skulk in darkened room. 
You'd better heed me when I say, 

So long. Mister Gloom. 

You've pestered me for nigh a vt^eek 

With your long face and groan. 
I hate the mask through which you peek. 

You do naught else but moan. 
I'm going to live with Mister Gay 

Who's always got a smile. 
So, run along. You cannot stay. 

Your ways are out of style. 

This world's no place for such as you. 

So best be on your way. 
The blackest clouds hide skies of blue. 

I quit you from today. 
We've nothing here that isn't good. . 

I don't care what you say. 
I'm warning you — and here's your hood. 

Now goodbye. Fade away! 

[14] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Where the Whispering River Flows 

Where the whispering river's flowing 

'Twixt two verdant mossy banks; 
Where the glinty sunlight's glowing 

Thro' the shade trees' knightly ranks; 
Where King Solitude is stalking 

Monarch ; while the silence grows 
(To the world in volumes talking) 

There the whisp'ring river flows. 

Limpid whirlpools music bubble 

Swirling ever toward the sea 
Singing, "Heart forget your trouble. 

None can always happy be." 
Onward, ever onward rippling. 

Never ceasing stream it goes. 
Where dance woodsprites, each a strippling. 

There the whisp'ring river flows. 

Radiant raindrops rush or linger 
Making love to morning dew. 

Where old Nereus rested finger 
Or 'mid moss his body threw. 

Through vast leafy halls it rushes. 

Into fields it wealth bestows 

Ever, as away it gushes. 

Ever whisp'ring as it flows. 

[15] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

"Men are doomed to work and battle. 

Women love thro' tear and mourn. 
Children fast outgrow their prattle 

Rush to struggle and be torn. 
I have seen some aeons flutter. 

Suns have passed from night to mom, 
Birds of passage, dust-made, splutter. 

Storm-tossed, battered, sick and worn. 
Earth is but a place, soul training 

Anyone who's passed now knows. 
I 'm the link Aeternis chaining. 

World to world my whisp'ring fllows." 



[16] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Rewards 

I tilled my garden in the spring. 

Down midst the weeds I found, 
A plant that gasped for air and light 

In hard unbroken ground. 

I watched it o'er with tender care, 
Through heat till summer's close. 

When of my work I'd most despair 
Lo then; there bloomed a rose. 

I tilled the garden of the soul. 

Watched good deeds rooted start. 
When seemed my work most vain and cold 

There burst full bloom — a heart. 



[17] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



*Tis Winter, Paul 

'Tis winter, and the drear' sad earth 

Lies glistered o'er with snow. 
Through naked, weird-songed, swaying trees 

Wild frost-chilled wind gusts blow. 
Some days are fair, with sunsets gold. 

When skies, though cold, still glow. 
They promise warmth for flowers sweet 

Asleep encouched below. 

'Tis too, the winter of our lives. 

Upon our heads is snow. 
A few more storms and sleets, Friend Paul, 

Upon us yet may blow. 
They cannot chill the heat of heart. 

While friendship's flame's aglow, 
And warms the blossoms of our souls 

What care we? Tush! for snow. 



[18] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



My Clock 

Tick-tock sings my clock. Tick-tock, tick-tock. 

As it tells the hours away. 
And its song's the same as it plays life's game 

Through the night as through the day. 
(Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.) 
The throb but shows how thro' space each goes 

While the world keeps pulse apace. 
Up and on it pleads. Banish wrongs and greeds. 

Birth to death 's a mad wild race. 

Tick-tock, goes my clock. Tick-tock, tick-tock. 

And it tells of changing friends. 
Thus goes the world as 'tis ever whirled. 

And the song? It never ends. 
(Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.) 
Why the haste it asks? Every day has tasks. 

And each one's to be done. 
Just plod along with a smile and song. 

After night 'gain comes the sun. 

Beat-beat, goes the heart. Beat-beat, beat-beat. 

Reaper Time makes sure his toll. 
Faith and love should march through triumphal arch 

Ere hath ceased the muffled roll. 
(Beat-beat, beat-beat, beat-beat, beat-beat.) 

[19] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

With the music tread. Never fear, never dread. 

Every day's work frankly face, 
With a song of hope; then we'll never mope, 

And we'll win life's rugged race. 



[20] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Poesy Land 

I know of a land where the heart loves to dwell 

Where no clouds ever sadden the soul; 
Where the fountains of kindness eternally well, 

Where love mists to beauty cajole. 
A land where the wreckage of hopes never drift 

From the crests of life's billowy sea, 
Where friendships, in faith, find never a rift; 

Where troths never broken shall be. 

I know of a land where happiness whiles 

A land full of sunshine and song. 
A land, sans the darkness, aglow with the smiles. 

Where the days are eternity long. 
I know of a land full of truth and of right. 

Where everything is as it seems. 
Where tenderness tempers the arm of might — 

A beautiful land of dreams. 

Then come, and we'll stroll, through Elysium's fields 

Where Morpheus's way is supreme. 
Why bother with fame or the tithe that earth yields, 

Where the symbols of trife ever gleam? 
I'll weave you a garland of bright poppy leaves 

Whose fragrance with blessings e'er teems. 
I'll pilot where love nor the heart ever grieves 

To the land of our innermost dreams. 

[21] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



To Miss Nineteen On Her Birthday 

Sweet Elsie, fair as day in June, 

With heart as light and free 
As tempered winds which kiss the dune, 

Or sport with maple tree, 
You've passed another milestone by. 

And full of hope you face 
The coming year with clear calm eye 

And every winning grace. 

I wonder if the future years 

Will hold, in joy, for you. 
The happiness, carefree of tears 

Your nineteen's passed you through? 
Youth counts impatiently its time 

And always looks ahead. 
'Tis only when we've passed our prime 

We see the past that's dead. 

Hope is for youth. But memory 

Grows dearer as we age. 
And things which you now lightly see 

Will brighten life's late page. 
So gather blooms of joy each day. 

Let each year mean the more. 
That when your pulse slows you can say, 

"I've lived. What ask I more?" 

[22] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Friendship 

Far out in life where skies are blue, 

Though dreary or sunshiny bright, 
Friendship is dreaming ever of you 

And flashing to you its light. 
Wishing you well as hours drift 

From sunrise to twilight's dew 
Hoping the clouds that shroud you lift 

And show always skies are blue. 

Out of the kingdom where friendships all grow 

Love incenses waft I to you; 
Borne upon tend'rest of Zephyrs that blow 

And comrady thought petals strew. 
Each is a soft touching whispery kiss 

Bidding the heart be gay. 
Presaging sorrow's quick flight and much bliss 

As true friends go treading life's way. 



[23] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Finis 

(To a Clergyman Going Blind) 

Daylight's ending; fetch the candle. 

Death delay! I cannot go. 
Whet your scythe a moment, and I'll 

Help to lighten brother's woe, 
Till I share my neighbor's sorrow 

Just another hour or two. 
When they smile, nor trouble borrow, 

I'll have finished; I'll be through. 

Night is growing; light the candle. 

There is still much work to do. 
Hearts need love. ('Tis life's great handle) 

Just as lilies need the dew. 
One by one the stars are peeping 

Through the limpid golden glow. 
Hope and faith their vigil keeping. 

Heaven's best pilots they, I know. 

Let me love its warmth upsending 

While the parting sun doth beam. 
When 'tis gone my task is ending. 

I'll have finished. Then I'll dream. 
Then I'll lie me down to slumber 

With no ling'ring look behind. 
When I seek the spirit number 

Bright the pathway I shall find. 

[24] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



To Madrienne 

(A Confession) 

Had I aught that would commend me 

To a spirit such as thine, 
Madrienne, I'd count the blessing 

Nature'd given near divine; 
Laugh to scorn this world of ours; 

Deem myself almost a god. 
But alas, a weaker being 

Mortal earth has never trod. 

Passions sway me just as billows 

Toss the wreckage on the sea. 
Powerless, I drift, a plaything. 

E'en Time's wavelets sport with me. 
Form nor feature, voice nor culture; 

Not a grace claim I a part. 
Simply one weak, human mortal 

With a something called a heart. 

Not a thing to recommend me 

Save this frail enfeebled; part, 

Known to science as a human, 
Fleshen, pulsing bit, a heart. 

Yes, a heart. But it doth echo 
Every throb of human woe; 

[25] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

And can sense the blight of sorrow; 
Bow with pain that others show. 

Like the flowers that bloom in sweetness 

All around seems bright and fair. 
Like a weed, unnoted silent, 

Breathe I only to the air. 
Weakest clay that e'er existed. 

Seem I, of life not a part. 
Just what Nature's fancy made. A 

Struggling tender bit of heart. 



[26] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



When Night Comes On 

When night comes on, and day 
Forsakes us with his glory bright; 
W^hen I have ceased my daily tasks, 
And sought my home for rest at night; 
When Sun god draws his whip across the sky 
And writes, "Goodnight," my burdens fall. 
Before my fitful blaze I sit and dream 
Such dreams as only lonely soul can know; 
Of pleasures gone so long they seem 
Lost — till Eternity can bring 
Hearts face to face again. All this 
When night comes on. 

I fashion fancies fair. 

And with them picture scenes 

That give my soul delight, e'en tho' 

They're formed alone from might-have-beens 

And never can be true. Ah no! 

When me the glowing embers bid 

Seek strength which next day's combat will 

Demand, I seek my couch and rid 

My soul of all save God above. 

When night comes on. 



[27] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Easter Chimes 

(After the War) 

Easter chimes are ringing. Gladsome Easter chimes. 
Telling forth the tidings — joy to many climes. 
Christ the Lord is risen. Peace hath come again, 
Love triumphant's master. Peace again doth reign. 

Easter voices singing, glory to our King. 
Let's all join the anthem, fervently we'll sing. 
Life has newborn meaning seen from Calvary. 
Christ forever liveth in man's soul set free. 

Easter chimes are sounding. Happy Easter bells. 
Hearts their prayers are lifting. Loud the murmur 

swells. 
Lord, let peace be with us; everlasting peace. 
Banishing all hatreds — Lord, let battles cease. 



[28] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



They've Lynched a Man in Dixie 

They've lynched a man in Dixie. 

Oh God, behold the crime. 
And 'midst the mad mob's howling 

How sweet the church bells chime. 
They've lynched a man in Dixie. 

You say this cannot be? 
See where his lead-torn body 

Mute hangs from yonder tree. 

They've soiled the soul of Dixie. 

They've steeped her heart in guilt. 
Long ages will remember 

This shame her people built. 
Blind, bestial, brutal murder 

To sate some selfish claim! 
Is this the land of freedom? 

For this doth Justice aim? 

They've sent a soul to judgment. 

God! yet they say they're good. 
They strive to save the heathens 

Yet thirst for human blood. 
Must life be held so lightly 

Which dares some right to claim? 
Which asks Christ's human living; 

Must they that body maim? 

[29] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Where is the heart of Christians 

When brute force rules the band? 
Is there no fairness in you 

Oh, this my native land? 
They've lynched a man in Dixie. 

Dear God, look down and see 
Where men feed lusts and hatreds 

And shame fair Liberty. 

Where is the dream of Justice 

For which our souls we give? 
If man beneath we trample 

Because he seeks to live? 
Look to the Cross, oh people. 

Once raised on Calvary. 
Bleed heart, for pain and sorrow 

But brothers let us be. 



[30] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



My Jewels 

Three jewels have I in my crown. 

Three gems beyond compare. 
More precious they, tho' 'f less renown, 

Than any rulers wear. 

Each has a heart of purest gold 

Inset with love so true. 
That all are dazzled who behold 

These gems of warm bright hue. 

I keep them safe within my home 
Lest robbers steal my joy. 

And never from my heart they roam 
My wife, my girl and boy. 



[31] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Turn Out the Light* 

Turn out the light. Now would I slumber, 

I'm weary with the toil of day. 
Let me forget my pains to number. 

Turn out the light. Dreams come to play. 

Turn out the light. The hours were dreary. 

Clouds of despair long hid the sun. 
I've battled hard and now I'm weary. 

Turn out the light. My day is done. 

I've done life's best gloom's ways to brighten 
I've scattered cheer from heart to heart. 

And where I could I've sought to righten 
The wrongs of men ere day depart. 

This morn 'twas bright with hope, — and cheery. 

This noon gave courage — made me brave. 
But as the sun sank I grew weary 

Till now my soul for rest doth crave. 

Turn out the light. I've done my duty 

To friend and enemy as well. 
I go to sleep where things of beauty 

In glitt'ring chambers ever dwell. 

*Written upon the death of the late former President 
Theodore Roosevelt whose last utterance was the request, 
"Turn out the light, please." 

[32] 



THE HEAET OF THE WORLD 

Turn out the light. Now would I slumber. 

To rest — to dream — soon go we all. 
Let's hope we wake soul free of cumber. 

Turn out the light. Dream comrades call. 



[33] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Voyaging 

Night in the sky above me. 

Uncharted deep below. 
Onward my craft goes sailing, 

Whither I do not know. 

Loud roar the waves about me. 

And then their angry moan 
Dies in the mirk beyond me. 

Restless, they surge and groan. 

Who knows the breakers' danger? 

Who cares, Oh heaving sea? 
Thou art my great adventure. 

Fading yon shelt'ring lea. 

Night — and the stars above me 

Glint through the rifting clouds. 

Pale moon lights up the shoalings 
For many ships they're shrouds. 

Life too 's a vast, vast ocean — 

Uncharted restless sea. 
O'er it my soul craft's sailing 

On toward the distant lea. 

[34] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Dreams are the bright stars shining 
Hope is the moon that guides 

Right is the pilot holding 

Heart thro' the storms it rides. 

Night in the sky above me. 

Uncharted deep below 
Pulsing a sailor's longing 

For home port's beacon glow. 



[35] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Goodbye Old Year 

Goodbye Old Year. Here comes New. 
You've done wonders; now you're through; 
Adding wisdom to the ages, 
Making history's best pages; 
Rest and slumber with the sages. 
Goodbye Old Year. Welcome ISTew. 

Goodbye Old Year. Welcome New. 
Off with false hopes; on with true. 
Nations raise a mighty chorus, 
Rich intoning, grand, sonorous. 
Blithe and gladsome, sad, dolorous; 
Goodbye Old Year. Welcome New. 
Off with false hopes. On with true. 

Goodbye Old Year. Hail the New. 
Goodbye hatreds. Wrongs adieu. 
Down Life's lane, with high or lowly. 
Weak, or strong, sin-cursed, or holy, 
Time is reaping-trudging slowly. 
Goodbye Old Year. Hail the New. 
Goodbye hatreds. Wrongs adieu. 

Goodbye Old Year. Come in New. 
Stout hearts look for light, to you. 

[36] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Rising hopes new scenes are staging; 
Brotherhood our thoughts engaging. 
Dreams of Peace hide battle raging. 
Goodbye Old Year. Come in New. 
Stout hearts fondly look to you. 



[37] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Merry Christmas All 

Bells are ringing, hearts are singing; 

Love drives care away. 
Hopes are lifting, pain is drifting. 

This is Christmas day. 
Smiles of gladness banish sadness. 

O'er the earth the call 
Echoes, rolling, chime-like tolling — 

Merry Christmas all. 

Off with sorrow till the morrow; 

'Tis our day of joy. 
Flee on trouble, cheer we'll double. 

Nought let soul annoy. 
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! 

Church and home and hall, 
Send the tiding skyward riding. 

Merry Christmas all. 

Life is measured, life is treasured 

By the love we give. 
And it brightens, burdens lightens. 

Christ again doth live. 
Start the greeting; hours are fleeting 

Soon the shadows fall. 
Smile on meeting — smile repeating - 

Merry Christmas all. 

[38] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



To Louise 

(A Song) 

In the wonderful garden of life, Dear Louise, 

There's a flower that's blooming for you. 
And its fragrance is wafted on each gentle breeze 

When the sun's making mist of the dew. 
'Tis a tender young thing but 'twill happiness bring 

If 'tis nurtured and faithfully reared. 
'Twill shed its bright glow wherever you go 

O'er all those to whom you're endeared. 



Then touch the heart gently, my pretty Louise, 
For the Flower of love ever grows. 

Its perfume will bless like a tender caress 
Till the twilight of life's at its close. 



In the field of the world where there 's work to be done 

'Twill lighten the burdens you bear. 
No victory's too great by it to be won 

And 'twill lessen your heaviest care. 
So bless the plant's blooming forever and aye 

As 't grows by the path to the skies. 
Though dull be the way or dark be the day 

Where the heart is there happiness lies. 

[39] 



THE HEAKT OF THE WORLD 

Then touch the heart lightly, my pretty Louise 
While the flower of love ever grows. 

Its perfume will bless like a tender caress 
Till the twilight of life's at its close. 



[40] 



THE HEART 01 THE WORLD 



October Chill 

When the fields are sere and golden 

In the gray October chill. 
When the leaves begin their turning 

Red and brown just o'er the hill. 
Then my thoughts go backward roaming 

To the years of boyhood time; 
To the old farm in the gloaming, 

To the fun of nutting time. 

I can hear the dry leaves rustle, 

As we waded shoe-deep through, 
To the thicket where the walnut 

And the chinquapin trees grew. 
I can hear the squirrels chatter 

Angry as we halt their feast, 
While we gather in the kernels 

From their prickly burrs released 

How we toiled 'mid twilight's falling 

Toward our homes with ladened bags. 
Happy, though our homespun trousers 

By our climbing turned to rags. 
Home we'd hasten to the kitchen 

Where we would our stomachs fill 
Of the good things mother'd saved us 

'Gainst October's twilight chill. 

[41] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Then we'd count our long day's harvest. 

Wealth in millions sure had we. 
And we'd pack them for great feastings 

When the snow clothed house and tree. 
Soon would end our childish laughter; 

All the house be calm and still. 
We'd be tucked beneath the covers 

From October's frost and chill. 



[42] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Calling 

Evening shadows falling, falling 
O'er the meadow and the hill; 

While the brooklet gently gurgles 
Its complainings to the mill. 

All the earth night dews are bathing 
While the shepherd blithely sings, 

Home his trusting charges leading, 
Back his yodles echo flings. 

Down the vale the music's ringing. 

Men and beasts rejoice to hear. 
Happiness from soul is springing, 

Tympanating on the ear. 

And there answer bleat and mooing 
From the cattle, while the air 

Golden-tinged is filled with cooing 
Goodnights, gentle pair to pair. 

Life's great Shepherd too is calling 
All the heart fold home to rest. 

Calling — calling — calling — calling 
Toil-worn broken hearts to rest. 



[43] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Contentment 

A cot at night; 

Some work by day. 
The will to fight 

My griefs away. 

A peaceful home 
Where children run; 

Blaze lighting gloam 
When day-time's done. 

Someone to love — 
For whom to pray — 

Help from above 
Thro' night and day. 

With lots of health; 

A soul that sings; 
A little wealth — 

I'm king of kings. 



[44] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Autumn 

Winds are whisp'ring, 

Music lisp 'ring, 

Summer's echoing refrain. 

Leaves are dying, 

Trees are sighing. 

Hark the weird dolorous strain. 

Frost is nipping. 

Airs are zipping 

Daylight hours becoming drear. 

Songbirds going. 

Shadows growing. 

Speak the twilight of the year. 

Life is changing, 

Ever ranging. 

Just as seasons come and go. 

Spring trails winter. 

Melts its glinter. 

Guiding hope to summer's glow. 



[45] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Gone West 

(To the Heroes of the World War) 

Gone West. They follow the sun. 

Gone West. Their work is done. 

The minotaur threatening us has been slain. 

Ease has succeeded the tortures of pain. 

The white winged Columba is cooing again. 

Gone West. They follow the sun. 

Gone West. Their work is done. 



Gone West. Their struggles are o'er. 

Gone West. To come no more. 

At Verdun — in Flanders — at Luneville they lie. 

All-lasting, emblazoned their names on the sky, 

In glorious efforts that never will die. 

Gone West. Their struggles are o'er. 

Gone West. To come no more. 



Gone West. Ahead of their night. 

Gone West. For what they thought right. 

God ne'er intended brute forces to rule. 

Thus was it fixed in Gethsemane cool 

By Him who made blessed fair Siloam's pool. 

Gone West. For what they thought right. 

Gone West. Ahead of their night. 

[46] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Gone West. But not gone in vain. 
Gone West. Their death 's our gain. 
Children for ages their mem'ries will bless, 
And nations will breathe an eternal caress 
For those who have given their all and no less. 
Gone West. But never in vain. 
Gone West. Their death 's our gain. 



47] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Winds 

Each wind is best, 

The poet sang. 
Some winds are blest 

Some have a tang. 

Some winds are warm, 
Some winds are cold. 

With joy or harm 
To young and old. 

Some winds are soft. 

Some winds are rough, 
As o'er the croft 

They sweep and buff. 

No matter how 
The breezes blow. 

Hold straight the plow 
And till life's row. 

The wind that blows 
The snow and rain; 

That same wind shows 
The sun again. 

[48] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

So heart, be brave 

Along the way. 
Night winds may rave 

But soon comes day. 



[49] 



THE HEART OP THE WORLD 



Ic( 



The day is drab — drear clouds o'erhead. 
'Neath snow and ice the earth seems dead. 
Now comes a win drift in the gray; 
A sunbeam warms the snow away. 

The soul is dark with gloom — and drear. 
'Neath cares the world seems drab — and blear. 
Friendship's soft winds begin to play; 
Love comes — brings warmth — and heart is gay. 

Ice cannot stay where sunbeams fall. 
Clouds blow away as windhorns call. 
Gloom spirits flee and quick depart 
When friendship warms to love the heart. 



[50] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



The Universe 

Count o'er the million leagues from here to yonder 

star. 
On then. On to the next count of a million more. 
Sum up the myriad gleams that light the night; 
Add too, the orbit where the cold bright moon doth 

soar. 
That done, return to earth and with thy mind outline 
That huge expanse called space; and then out from 

our Hearse 
Of changing dust dream out the words — The 

Universe. 



[51] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Bubbles 

Flimsy, filmy, froth-made globes 

From my pipe I blow. 
Rainbow — tinted elfin robes 

Floating up they go. 
Made of suds and short breath-puff; 

Puff and suds — no more. 
Struggling toward the sun — such stuff — 

Bubbles — nothing more. 

Flimsy globes of unshaped thought 

From the mind depart. 
Whirling spaceward, some, earth caught, 

Never even start. 
Hope, and wish, and dream in turn 

Float off, blessed or cursed — 
Float away till soon I learn — 

Bubbles — ■ whieji all burst. 

Globes of good deeds, one by one. 

From the heart are blown. 
Float away, burst, duty done. 

Just like bubbles flown. 
More than bubbles they, howe'er. 

For they leave behind, 
Some of love — a smile — a tear — 

Wounds of soul to bind. 

[52] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Reflection 



Whence have we come, this world and I, 

Minutest details of a vast expanse? 
Does source of self within us lie? 

Hath unseen hand formed us by chance, 
And yet the purpose hath withheld? 

Thro' opalescent haze we grope 
For truth. Yet mind has never spelled 

The word that clears our misty hope. 

Today we stand upon a mound 

Of woes and doubts; of dreams and trys. 
Hope's bubble swells, then falls aground. 

Life's passing's naught but wants and whys. 
Behind lie heaped slags of regret 

Whose peaks are lost in ages dead. 
Who is the power to pierce the net 

Fine screened, that veils the dark ahead? 

We dream — and think — then dream again. 

Lo! while we're dreaming, puff! we're gone. 
Our mortal ties are left — our pain — 

Back to its dust-like self alone, 
All that is earthen, back it goes. 

But whence that which we call a soul; 

[53] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

That link immortal, ah, who knows? 
Whose magic can the shade uproU? 

Tho' science delve back deep in Time, 

Find footsteps where the Ages tread, 
She cannot trace the path sublime 

That runs between the quick and dead. 
So far it goes and then it ends. 

All mem'ry's markings show a grave. 
Who's Master of the brew that blends 

Our drink ? — but one — The one who gave. 



[54] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Apple Blossom Time 

Crickets bold are chanting 

'Neath yon fragrant hedge; 
Bullfrogs join the chorus 

Near the millpond's edge. 
Lad and lass are dreaming, 

Humming springtime's rhyme; 
Bees' wings drone their music — 

Apple blossom time. 

Brooklet in the meadow 

Purls its way along, 
Onward seaward rippling. 

To its kindred throng. 
Life and love are leaping 

Tripping to hope's chime. 
Every day adds joy to — 

Apple blossom time. 

Bobolink is chirping, 

Robin's hopping by; 
Wind-sprites warm are painting 

Blue-green on the rye. 
Humid earth sighs rising 

Perfume sage and thyme; 
Cheer up! Summer's trailing — 

Apple blossom time. 

[55] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Why Send Me Flowers? 

Why send me flowers when I'm gone; 

When tongue is mute and lip is still; 
When all that's mortal lies alone 

Nor cares, tho' rooms their fragrance fill? 

Why deck my grave with wreath today; 

Shed tears and stand with mournful mien 
O'er weakly clinging dust and clay 

That's soon dissolved and no more's seen? 

Love me a little while I'm here, 

While lips may smile and heart can speak. 
For smiles life's choicest flowers rear. 

They flourish best on love's high peak. 

Far better 'twere if you could feel 

When at my head you place a stone, 

That we'd known friendship rich and real 
And keep on smiling though I'm gone. 



[56] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Memory 

Oh, Memory, fond friend of mine! 

Thou boon companion of my soul! 
How can I thank thee for the aid 

Thou'st gi'en me in my gloomy goal. 
What would my world without thee be? 

Just one drab blurr of toil and pain. 
But you, dear friend, whatever my mood 

Beguile my hours in fancy's train. 

Whene'er the storms of life overtake, 

To rescue me thou art at hand. 
And from the castles of the past 

Come joyous hosts; bright sunshine's band. 
Sometimes they call to childhood's days. 

We romp again through meadows green. 
A smile sets all my heart aglow 

As I live o'er scene after scene. 



The playmates of those days are gone 
To distant fields where duties call. 

Yet each has left an impress fond 

To brighten up my dwelling's wall. 

So great the magic of thy wand 

That when it waves time all but dies. 

[57] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

There is no distance in thy world 

So quick thy wing, Oh Mem'ry, flies. 

Light once again love's young days' screen. 

When life was one long, pleasant dream. 
Hold to that view a moment, friend, 

Life flashes there its brightest beam. 
Yon rosy cheek and laughing eye; 

Who knew that fate wrought them for me? 
Sweet face that sweeter grew with years 

Till death her patient soul set free. 

Show next that scene of homey things, 

So real they seem I cannot miss 
Companionship that hovers till 

I'm sure I feel a shadow kiss. 
I hear a childish prattle now; 

Now someone clambers to my knee. 
I can't but smile they seem so near — 

Reach out to clasp them — cannot see. 

Thus Memory, sweet friend of mine. 

Thou art companion to my soul. 
How can I thank thee for the aid 

Thou'st gi'en me in my gloomy goal. 
What would my world without thee be? 

Just one drab blurr of toil and pain. 
But you, dear friend, whate'er my mood 

Bring witching hours — and fancy's train 



[58] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



My Mother's Gold Ring 

I've one little trinket more valued than life. 

It's kept me from sorrow and helped me through 

strife. 
Far dearer than riches is this little thing, 
A Heaven-welded circlet, my mother's gold ring. 

'Tis nothing that's ornate; a plain little band 

With, here and there, scratches where toil wore her 

hand. 
Each mark means a heartache; or suffering's sting 
Impressed for her children on mother's gold ring. 

The pictures it conjures from childhood's bright day 
Are love lighted solaces — ever they stay. 
Though humble my fortune I still am a king. 
With, tear-christened roundlet — my mother's gold 
ring. 

Wherever I've wandered that ring, like a prayer, 
Has spread its protection, for Mother was there. 
No other could charm or such magic could bring 
As, much treasured cycloid — my mother's gold ring. 

Old age is fast creeping; my step's getting slow; 
And up o'er my temples show markings of snow. 

[59] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

'Mid time and his battles my soul e'er will sing 

Of — love bonded bandlet — my mother's gold ring. 

Dear sweet face, Oh Mother! How often I miss 
Your hand's soothing comfort; your heart cheering 

kiss. 
Though long since departed fond mem'ries will cling, 
'Till death bids me lay aside mother's gold ring. 



[60] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Commoners 

There's a common end for common clay, 

And an end for you and me. 
Mayhap 'tis here; it may be there; 

Or aye, o'er yonder lea. 
It matters not if high or low. 

When ends the path you plod. 
Thy form shall rest, the poor, the best, 

Just six feet 'neath the sod. 

Man grows in pride as trails divide 

A whit, from common lot; 
But finds at last his form is cast 

In humble little plot. 
The fate is mine. It too is thine. 

Time swings the fatal rod. 
And soon — too soon, on vale or dune 

We rest beneath the sod. 

Who cares if peasant or if prince 

May slumber by his side; 
While from the cell, where night will dwell, 

Each shallow walls divide? 
Ambitions, hopes, and woes and pains, 

Beset you as you plod. 

[61] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

But all forsake you in your home 
Short six feet 'neath the sod. 

Power to rise within each lies, 

Above our common clay; 
Where we abide on fortune's tide 

Till on some final day, 
Earth's clinging arm robs of all charm 

Embracing kindred clod. 
With one brief sigh we'll mould'ring lie 

Just six feet 'neath the sod. 



[62] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



To a Skull 

Ghastly, ghoulish, grinning skull, 

Toothless, eyeless, hollow, dull, 

Why your smirk and empty smile 

As the hours away you while? 

Has the earth become such bore 

That it pleases nevermore? 

Whence your joy through sun and rain? 

Is 't because of loss of pain? 

Have you learned what men learn not 

That earth's substance turns to rot? 

After learning now you scan 

Vain endeavors man by man? 

Do you mind that you as they 

Once was held by mystic sway; 

Dreamed and struggled, hoped and prayed. 

Lolled and with the minutes played? 

Sighed for honors; battles planned; 

Sipped of cups that wisdom banned 
But would please the weak frail flesh; 
Suffered, fell, 'rose, struggled fresh? 
Now that you are but a skull 
Glimpse you life as life is, full 
Of beauties that we miss 
Till time withers with his kiss? 
Do you laugh in cynic vein 

[63] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Since you cannot try again? 
And you know that we, like you, 
Will too late our failings rue? 
Tell me, ghoulish, grinning skull 
What deep broodings, o'er you mull? 
Tell me why you smirk and smile 
Ere I pass life's sunset stile. 



[64] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



On My Way Home 

On my way home from irksome toil of day, 

When end the bickerings in trade's busy mart. 
After the carping strife for what's called pay, 

My thoughts turn hungrily to home and heart. 
I leave behind me frantic, frenzied, fighting fiends. 

Wild with the hatred greed and hell-born envy 
stir. 
Forget the false smile which to me but means 

A conscience blunted with a golden blurr. 

I hurry home and leave me far behind 

Their cursings, bowlings, shouts and groans. 
And in the quiet peace of home I find 

Sweet solace for the mem'ries, echoed moans. 
I learn again, and from the lessons take 

The strength that sends me back into the fray; 
Not rich is he who most of money makes 

Mere grabbing heaped-up wealth will never pay. 

On my way home from earth to better land 

What though my feet be heavy, body torn and 
grimed ? 
I know I'm on my way to loving band 

Whose arms reach out and ease the way I 
climbed. 

[65] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

On my way home from wearing toil each day 

My spirit soars though slow my feet still plod. 

Though earth be full of bitter strife, my way 

Leads on through love from men straight unto 
God. 



[66] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



A Southern Love Song 

Dogwoods all a-bloom, 

Perfume earth's big room, 
White full moon is gliding o'er the sky serene. 

Quiet reigns about, 

In the house and out, 
Hoot owl in the hollow mopes with solemn mien. 

Birds have gone to rest. 

In each tree-top nest. 
Cotton fields a-shimmer flash forth silver green. 

O'er the wild cane brake. 

Whip-poor-wills awake. 
And they speak in tender voicings, Heart, of You. 

Answering my call. 

Through the leafy hall. 
Telling how I'm waiting for your tripping. Sue. 

All the world is glad. 

Just because I'm mad. 
Sense bereft am I through my great love for you. 

Night is all a-smile, 
Happy all the while. 
That is why my heart so filled with song o'erflows. 
I have tarried long. 
Lilting here my song. 

[67] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

And I'll ever waiting be till life's step slows. 
Come to me my girl, 
Precious more than pearl, 

I'll be waiting for you where the grapevine grows. 

How my heart doth yearn, 

And with anguish bum, 
Hungry for sweet pains awaked with your embrace. 

Starward goes my cry. 

Echo hears my sigh. 
Heaven itself its pity at my plight shows trace. 

Parson waits to wed. 

Soon the nuptials said. 
I've a rose-clad cottage reared for you to grace. 



[68] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Speculation 

I wonder why my heart to you keeps backward 
turning. 
You whom I vowed to bar from mem'ry's hall. 
I wonder why my soul's shrine still shows deep a 
yearning 
While shadows lengthen from my heart's home 
wall. 
I wonder why I watch the sunset slowly fading; 

Grow more forlorn as night shades lay their dew. 
I wonder why the ghosts of yesterdays parading 
All beckon till my heart goes back to you? 

You crushed the love that I so free, unbidden, offered. 

And share with others what I so much crave. 
You turned to false friends, spurning what I prof- 
fered, 

The while they sipped the wine of life you gave. 
The years are drifting by but they can never carry 

Away my ken of life's most pleasant ways. 
We pluck the rose — it dies — yet still will tarry 

The perfume while the leaf with windpuff plays. 

Those other days ! — those days when you were always 
tender. 
How hard I've tried to blot from mind the pain. 

[69] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Strive how I will I fail yet cannot quite surrender 
Myself to gloom; but wish those days again. 

Perhaps it was the hope that sometime you'd re- 
member 
A soul that never has been aught but true. 

I know that hope is dead — a cooling, ashen ember — 
And yet my love keeps turning back to you. 

At morn the bees fly straight to honeyed flowers. 

The birds seek out their cosy nests at night. 
Though Pluto's darkness grip the starless hours, 

Aurora binds the sun god's car to night. 
A leaking vessel never can stay filled to brimming. 

An empty heart will ever long and sigh. 
That's why my thoughts like swallows home are skim- 
ming 

Back to the past. Once born love cannot die. 



[70] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



The Potter and His Ware 

I watched a potter at his work today 
Amid his varied shapes of earth and clay. 
Some were completed — ready for the mart, 
While some showed yet no sign or touch of art. 
The potter, old and wrinkle-skinned, by time 
While toiling hummed, sharp-voiced this rhyme. 
'Tis not the glaze that makes the jar, 

Nor strands of thread the man. 
Life's best and poorest vessels are 

Told by the way they pan. 

Then from a heap of fine ground powdered earth 
He scooped about a Grecian drachma's worth. 
Into a mixing mill the stuff he threw 
And added just a drop of liquid blue. 
From this he shaped a wondrous brilliant jar 
Whose beauty rivalled sky's most lustrous star. 

'Tis not the glaze that makes the jar, 
Nor strands of thread the man. 

Life's best and poorest vessels are 
Told by the way they pan. 

Thus many bits of odd-tinged ware he shaped 
And fashioned as of musty earth he scraped. 
I marvelled that each bowl did so much seem 

[71] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

To differ from its fellow in its gleam. 
And thought how wondrous was the skill that could 
Remake of dust such ware, so odd, so good. 
'Tis not the glaze that makes the jar. 

Nor strands of thread the man. 
Life's best and poorest vessels are 
Told by the way they pan. 

The Master Potter, too, of clay hath made 
Earth bowls of every varied hue and shade. 
Into them all some of his breath he sent 
Then left them in the sun for warp and bent. 
Till free of crudeness each is burned and dry 
And ready for eternal shelves on high. 

'Tis not the glaze that makes the jar. 
Nor strands of thread the man. 

Life's best and poorest vessels are 
Told by the way they pan. 



[72] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Enteuthen Exelaunei 

As dancing dawn had warned me of the sun, 

Fast rising from his crimson conch of rest, 
His blazing war car, its diurnal run 

Began, and set to flames the ocean's crest. 
A valley at my feet still bathed in dew. 

Began to clear of mists and show a path, 
Which wound 'mid fields, and pleasant meadows 
through ; 

(Trail of the Seeker, to Life's Aftermath). 
With eager feet I would be on my way, 

Yon hill to reach before the call of noon, 
When from beneath me cried a voice to say, 

"Hold, Comrade, do not leave me thus so soon. 
A-while you slept I cradled you; kept watch; 

And warmed the narrow berth in which you lay. 
So 'grudge me not an hour. No record splotch 

Will mark you at the end of this your day. 
Here have I lain through shifts of sun and snow. 

Unheeded by my kindred passing by. 
My whispered plea up with the wind I blow 

Yet in their rush but few have heard my cry. 
Why all their hurry as they play the Game? 

Soon they'll be gained in the rolling years. 
I too was once as they — I was the same — 

Yet here I lie unfettered by their fears. 

[73] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

They all forget that lordly kings and queens 

Have passed this way with poorly peasant kind. 

All start the same; have varying betweens; 

But dust is dust when all is done, they find. 



We are but bits of clod tossed in a tray, 

By Life's Great Gleaner of the starry world. 
Some, to the surface, with the motion stray. 

Rush and touch elbows as in brack they're whirled. 
With friendly clasp of hand they journey on 

Forced by the Motion and the Swing of things. 
Time and the motion rend them one from one, 

With bitter pangs at parting; bitter stings. 
Then why the crowding? Why the hates and greeds? 

The lust for gold, or fame, or pomp, or power? 
Each but through endless torments hastens, speeds; 

All doomed to be forsaken in the Hour. 



But one day's sun or so and Beauty's lips 

Which once upset a monarch and his crown. 
Their smiling gone, up to the sun there slips 

A rose, perhaps — to bloom and sigh full grown. 
Her tresses, once so envied of all maids 

Will be but grass of very greenest green. 
While through her dainty digits interbraids 

The Jasmine's trailing tendrils all unseen. 
The winds will whisper songs her tongue did sing 

And yet, unheard, by mortals, this her lute. 
The swaying trees, the rhythm of her toes will swing 

Whose waving leaves will talk yet she'll be mute. 

[74] 



THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Why all the pride of birth, or name, or race? 

The plutocrat is no whit more than I. 
What though his clay be laid in marble place? 

Time's playful breath will blow it high and dry. 
They miss the master why of all this life; 

Choose empty bubbles that too soon will burst; 
Stir up a lot of endless, useless strife 

And struggle on more cursed than the first. 
The Soul it is that makes of man a man. 

Not clay, nor tint of mixed grime and sand. 
The soul and clay must both the Outlook scan 

If they would serve the purpose for them 
planned. 
That which has chief est worth they all forget 

Though costing least in toil or dulling pain. 
How few have mastered lessons for them set! 

Too late they learn, and then would try again. 
Love is the great All Holy sacred word 

That moves the Universe about, and sends 
Its meaning down Life's way almost unheard — 

Persistent, pleading strain that never ends. 
They chase the rainbow for the pot of gold, 

And trample treasures under foot, by far 
More precious than mere crumbling dross that's cold; 

Much closer to their grasp than Fame, their star. 
The world, the soul so little knows; the heart 

So little understands. Ingratitude 
To wax in men needs but a little start. 

Fame plods behind the Reaper. Such her mood. 

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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

'Tis only when you've passed the Way along 

That mortals find their path leads through your 
street. 

Then only do they ken the meaning of your song 
And lay belated tribute at your feet. 

So, ere you leave the distant hill to mount 

Fill full your heart with love and smiling cheer. 
Live so that hosts you can your neighbors count 

And bring a happy ending to your year. 
Hold not the frothy riches of this earth 

More valued than the soul and inner things. 
Each gift of friendship more than brings its worth 

And in the Judgment up the balance swings. 
Love Fellowman. That is the big command. 

And followed leads straight on to Paradise. 
Learn thou to know the Gleaner's chief demand 

And on thy journey heed to my advice. 
Be off. The world in its impatience waits 

To test the mold and weapon in you cast. 
Live Now; with eyes on Yonder swinging gates, 

Nor cling too close to footprints of the Past. 
Drink deep the draught, though bitter sweet, of life. 

By drinking deeply only can you view the sky. 
Then, when you've breasted Heaven and Hell in strife 

Come back, oh Comrade, back to Earth and die. 
'Tis in such death that you will live again. 

For then it shall be right for you to know, 
The Master Gleaner's Purpose ne'er is vain. 

So ends my talk. Your part calls to the Show." 



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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



From Day to Day 

Sometimes it's dark; sometimes it's bright. 
Sometimes it's wrong — bye'n bye it's right. 
Now 'tis a joy day — now full of pain. 
Days when the hard luck pours like the rain. 

Days full of true love; days full of hate. 
Times when there's bitterest wailing at fate. 
Days when there's hunger — days when there's food. 
Sometimes there ne'er seems anything good. 

Some days the wind's warm ; some days it's cold. 
Some days I'm struggling eager and bold. 
Sometimes for bruises there seems no balm, 
Times when my soul craves comfort and calm. 

Sometimes the heart's hills seem hard to climb. 
Life's lane's so thorny lames every limb. 
Pathways are so rough feet can't but drag. 
All that we gather — crumbs and a rag. 

Hours full of longing, soul full of dreams. 
Sometimes no light on life's strandway gleams. 
Sometimes a heartache, sometimes a sigh; 
Seems like the world's gone out of the sky. 

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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Come days of gladness or days of woe 
Each soul from God thro' Gehenna must go. 
We live all our days out as willed by fate. 
'Tis thus we pass thro' our imperfect state. 

Let's take the bitterness, also the sweet; 
From no misfortune ever retreat 
Unto each day's task all might address. 
Come good or ill days all come to bless. 



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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



A Dream 

I looked into the diamond studded dome of night 
And glimpsed a fleeting shadow form — a blurr. 
The vision vanished just as quickly from my sight 
Adown the paths on which God's universes whirr. 
My puny man-length arms reached out but could not 

clasp 
The phantom which my soul cried out to gain. 
I groped amid the gleams and bravely sought to 

grasp 
That hazy misty form but only felt a pain. 

Again I tried and failed then heart grew sad and sore. 
Strive how I would 'twas ever where I could not reach. 
The tears that failure brings in bitterness did pour 
Nor could they heal the wound deep disappointment's 

breach. 
Then cross the sky there flickered just a shaft of light 
That gave my soul a hope — Oh, blessed beam. 
Straight 'midst the stars it went and pierced the night. 
It showed my phantom's hopes were but an empty 
dream. 

I turned to earth, soul chastened yet not cured 
Of longing unfulfilled and wish that would not die. 
I saw about me kindred broken shapes allured 

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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 

Whose souls could not but echo heart born cry. 
In min'st'ring unto them my soul pain dropped be- 
hind 
And in its stead there showed the dawning's gleam. 
I found life's solace not where longing sought to 

find- 
In loving others brightness came — I found my dream. 



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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Life's Way 

A little joy without alloy — 

Some hope — some disappointment. 

A futile wail at some annoy, 

A dip in life's anointment. 

One effort made to swing the blade 

And reap from earth's brief planting; 

A groan of pain o'er little gain 

Then night — our hopes recanting. 



A little haste 'midst heaps of waste; 

One hour's harsh drill receiving. 

A stifled cry and then a sigh 

While friends behind are grieving, 

A little love — some right — some wrong 

Each of himself is giving. 

Some tears — some smiles — from weak and strong. 

All summed up — that is living. 



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THE HEART OF THE WORLD 



Housecleaning 

I cleaned my house one day last spring, 
Of dust and dirt collected in the year; 
Then in yard corner did the rubbish fling, 
Forgotten till foul odors of decay did rear 
And smite my nostrils with their breath. 

A few days on I sought with rake to move 
The stenchpile lest disease it spread. 
When lo! upon the heap, from topmost groove, 
A tall white-blooming lily raised its head. — 
Distasteful once what now was sweet. 

Out from our house we cast the wrecks 

Of life, distorted toys of fate. 

We cannot see that beauty decks 

The soul which still 's untouched by hate. 

And perfumes at the call of love. 



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